Berlin, the night is already deep. But Kingdom of Italy Foreign Minister Paul? Borselli still didn't rest. In his hand, he held Telegram sent from Rome.
After a long time, Paul? Borselli put down Telegram.
"Are His Majesty the King and Prime Minister planning to use the power of Germany people to suppress Austro-Hungarian Empire? But no matter what, we will still suffer heavy losses. However, under the current situation, this is the only way. This is the best way for the kingdom." Paul? Borselli murmured.
"Come here, prepare the car, I'm going to see German Foreign Minister." Paul? Borselli said to the secretary.
"Yes, Your Excellency. However, it is almost 12 o'clock in the evening. Is it too late?" The secretary was a little worried.
"Some things are best discussed at night."
"Okay, Your Excellency, I will make arrangements immediately."
The secretary first contacted the secretary of Germany Foreign Minister Wachth, and after confirming that the meeting could be held at this time, he prepared a car and sent Paul? Borselli there.
The meeting place was not at the German Foreign Ministry, but at the residence of Wachth. It's relatively more hidden and confidential here.
"Sir, I'm really sorry to bother you so late." After seeing Wachth, Paul? Borselli looked apologetic.
"Sir, please don't say that. I know you want to see me so late, there must be something important." Wachth said.
Wachth can almost guess the reason why Paul? Borselli wants to see him. The peace talks during the day put a lot of pressure on the Italy people. Therefore, it is time for Italy people to seek a breakthrough. No matter what, the interests of the German Empire must be guaranteed. As for whether the interests of other countries will be damaged as a result, he doesn't care. As an important minister of the Empire, it is natural to put Empire's interests first.
The place where the two talked was a secret room in Wachth's mansion. Except for the secretaries of both parties, there was no fifth person in the secret room. Talk here to stay safe.
After some pleasantries, the conversation between Wachth and Paul? Borselli got down to business.
"Your Excellency, I have contacted the country. The country thinks that the conditions proposed by your country are too harsh. Therefore, we hope that your country can appropriately lower some requirements. In terms of war reparations, we can pay your country 10 billion marks. You know, our country is not rich. , Ten billion marks is the maximum amount we can pay. In terms of territory, Sicily can be ceded to your country, but please leave Sardinia to us. After all, Sardinia has different meanings to us," Paul Boselli said.
Before the unification of Kingdom of Italy, it split into several countries. The one that finally unifies Italy is Kingdom of Sardinia. It is precisely because of this that the meaning of Sardinia is different. If Sardinia is ceded to Germany, this will be a heavy blow to Italy.
Wachth frowned, thought about it, and then said, "Sardinia does not need to be ceded to us. However, the war compensation of 20 billion Mark is our bottom line, and we cannot lose even one Mark."
"Your Excellency, Kingdom of Italy can't afford that much money." Paul? Borselli began to cry.
"Italy is indeed not too rich. Two billion Mark is a relatively large amount for you. However, we do not ask you to pay it all at once. You can pay it in three or five years. In addition, I know that you When Room König unified Kingdom of Italy, it made a lot of wealth. More than 40 years have passed, and I believe that the wealth has not been used up. All kinds of gold and silver treasures and works of art can be used to pledge war reparations!" Wachth said.
"Your Excellency, all that wealth has been used up a long time ago!" Paul? Borselli said.
However, Wachth didn't believe it at all. Not to mention anything else, back then Kingdom of Sardinia plundered a lot of wealth from Catholic Church. If they can make good use of this wealth and use it to develop industry, maybe Italy will be stronger than it is now. But it is a pity that the Italy royal family has huge wealth, but like a miser, they refuse to use it. In the end, a huge amount of wealth was left in the sky, but the national power did not increase much. Now, after being defeated in the war, everything becomes the spoils of others.
Paul? Borselli From Wachth's words, I felt his firmness. I know that Germany people may not give in when it comes to war reparations. However, being able to get Germany people to spit out Sardinia is already a pretty good victory.
"Your Excellency, if Italy agrees to the German the Empire's Conditions, what will happen to the Austro-Hungarian Empire? Their conditions are really too harsh. It is impossible for Italy to agree to such harsh conditions. But Austro-Hungarian Empire Crown Prince has issued a threat of force to Italy." Paul? Borselli looked distressed.
"Austro-Hungarian the Empire's Conditions is indeed a bit harsh. If Kingdom of Italy is not willing to agree, then just don't agree." Wachth said.
Paul? Borselli felt ecstatic in his heart. He thought that Germany supported them on this issue.
"But if Austro-Hungarian Empire continues to attack Italy, what should we do?"
"Austro-Hungarian Empire's army is not very powerful in combat. If Kingdom of Italy can do his best, he may not lose to them, right? If you can defeat Austro-Hungarian Empire on the battlefield, then you don't have to pay them war compensation." Wachth said.
Paul? Borselli immediately frowned. He was also very disappointed with the combat effectiveness of his country's military. Although the combat effectiveness of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's army is not strong, the overall strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is undoubtedly stronger than Kingdom of Italy. If you fail to defeat Austro-Hungarian Empire but are defeated by the Austro-Hungarian Empire again, then the problem will be serious.
"If Kingdom of Italy needs it, we can secretly provide you with a batch of weapons and equipment." Wachth continued.
Paul? Borselli's eyes suddenly lit up. This undoubtedly represents Germany's clear attitude.
"Your Excellency, it would be best if we could avoid fighting. Can Germany put some pressure on the Austro-Hungarian Empire to make them give up their harsh conditions on us. Now German Empire, but Austro-Hungarian Empire will also seriously consider Germany's opinion," Paul? Borselli said.